Complaint sees man fined $1500 for unauthorised plumbing

2 December 2014

Council complaint sees man fined $1500 for unauthorised plumbing

In a recent judgment released today by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, an Auckland man has been convicted and fined $1500 plus court costs and solicitor’s fees, for illegally carrying out sanitary plumbing.

The charge against Silivenusi Lao developed from a complaint made by a New Plymouth District Council building inspector in relation to the plumbing fit out of a beauty parlour and work carried out by Mr Lao.

Plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying are regulated trades in New Zealand to protect public health and safety, and it is illegal for anyone to do this work unless they are lawfully authorised. At the time Mr Lao carried out the work at the property, he had never been licensed or otherwise authorised by the Board.

Max Pedersen, Chief Executive of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board, said: “There are serious health and safety risks associated with sanitary plumbing carried out by an unauthorised person. Any defective plumbing work has the potential to cause disease and serious damage to a property.

“All authorised tradespeople are required to carry their current authorisation card. We urge consumers to ask tradespeople for this card before any work commences so that they can be assured that the work is being done by an authorised and competent tradesperson.”

Click for big version.
A picture of the licensed card all authorised plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers must carry with them.

If a homeowner or building inspector believes that work has been done by someone who is not authorised, or has concerns about the competency of tradespeople, they can make a complaint to the Board.

Mr Lao pleaded guilty to the charge of carrying out sanitary plumbing without authorisation in the New Plymouth District Court on 27 November 2014.

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board is the statutory body that is responsible for protecting public health and safety by ensuring people who do plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying work are competent.

ENDS

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